The Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Interior and Local Government (DILG) signed the revised implementing rules and regulations of the Revised Penal Code, making the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) accessible for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) due to heinous crimes.
The signing ceremony took place at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City last Friday and made public on Sunday.
Key officials from both departments attended with the directors of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, speaking on behalf of the Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, highlighted the new IRR’s potential to significantly decongest correctional facilities. Around 8,000 PDLs from the BuCor and 1,000 from the BJMP are expected to benefit from this policy.
The revised rules reflect the Supreme Court’s recognition of the importance of rehabilitation and second chances in the corrections system, as well as the Philippine government’s commitments to the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2022.
The DOJ’s efforts also align with the larger BuCor modernization plan, which includes transferring PDLs outside Metro Manila, expanding access to parole and probation, and improving rehabilitation programs.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. shared updates on ongoing initiatives to reduce prison congestion, reporting a drop in the New Bilibid Prison’s congestion rate from 350 percent to 250 percent.
He added that the revised IRR offers new hope to PDLs frustrated by slow court proceedings and delayed releases. “We are giving them something to look forward to. This is really for them,” Catapang said.
